What it's like to stay at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

The apartment-style Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is ideal for long stays and those wanting to explore the city’s icons.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is one of those buildings in the Emerald City that locals drive past, wishing the stunning views it offers were theirs. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Circular Quay, this apartment-hotel provides breathtaking vistas of Sydney Harbour and the CBD, along with all the facilities needed for a long stay or easy access to the city’s landmarks.

Whether it’s booking an unforgettable stay to witness the New Year’s Eve fireworks or a comfortable business trip, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour offers convenience, comfort and luxury.

Location

Sunset of Sydney Harbour and the CBD at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is nestled in the heart of the iconic Circular Quay.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour stands out for its exceptional location. Tucked in Sydney’s Circular Quay with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, this luxury apartment-hotel offers unparalleled access to the city’s top attractions. Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks are just steps away, and, notably, it’s the closest hotel to the Sydney Opera House.

For further exploration, trains, buses and ferries are only minutes from the hotel.

Sydney Airport is a convenient 20-minute drive.

Style and character

The living room interior of a Deluxe Harbour View Suite at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — Mel Porter Design injected contemporary flair into the suites.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour blends modern elegance and classic sophistication with a high-end residential feel. The lobby area is understated from the outside, but its sleek appearance mimics the look of a luxury apartment building. Inside, the foyer is swathed in marble and glass, with neutral tones and blues that reflect the surrounding harbour.

The hotel received a revamp in 2022 by interior design studio Mel Porter Design, who injected contemporary flair into the suites. These feature neutral-toned furnishings elevated by gold accents and modern art.

The building’s design takes advantage of its location by featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies for soaking up the vibrant energy of Circular Quay.

Facilities

People dining at Hacienda Sydney, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour — Hacienda Sydney is the perfect spot for elevated cocktails and Latin-inspired bites. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Unlike many CBD hotels, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has a swimming pool that, again, boasts harbour views thanks to expansive glass windows. There is also a spa next to the pool, a gym and a sauna on-site.

There are two wonderful dining facilities: Q Dining and Hacienda Sydney (more on them later).

Valet parking is available, but there is no on-site parking.

Rooms

A two-bedroom apartment suite with Sydney Harbour Views. — Harbour View suites offer breathtaking vistas.

A huge drawcard of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is that it features spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment-style suites that offer home-like comforts that make it ideal for longer visits or business travellers.

Each of the 72 suites is fitted with a fully-equipped modern kitchen with pots and pans, laundry facilities, a jacuzzi bath, separate dining and lounge areas and a private balcony – a luxury in the city. Garden View suites offer outlooks of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, while the more luxe Harbour View suites – which are definitely recommended – overlook the water so you can sit on your sunny balcony, admiring the bobbing green and yellow ferries that go by.

Those needing to stay productive will appreciate the full-sized work desk and high-speed Internet available in each suite.

Bathrooms err on the side of dated, but they are spacious and having a large spa is a welcomed luxury.

Food and drink

A close-up shot of pasta at Q Dining, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — Enjoy modern Australian fare at Q Dining.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has two dining venues that showcase harbour views: Q Dining and Hacienda.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Q Dining, an airy restaurant adorned in coastal blues and light timbers that serves modern Australian fare.

Start your day at Q Dining with a la carte breakfast options such as the indulgent brioche bacon egg roll and the banana caramel waffles. For a quick lunch, the $45 Express Lunch offers a choice of a main dish, such as lobster prawn ravioli with saffron butter and dill, paired with a glass of wine.

Dinner offers a range of delicious dishes such as zucchini blossom, prawn, scallop, buttermilk, chilli, and herb oil, and O’Connor tenderloin, truffled onion, asparagus, and Bordelaise sauce. For a sweet finish,  round off your meal with a poached peach, macadamia, Earl Grey, mascarpone, and honeycomb.

Hacienda Sydney sits on level three and is a must-visit during your stay. Adorned in sophisticated neutrals,  gold accents, palms, and Latin American flair, it’s the perfect spot for elevated tipples and snacks with picture-perfect views. Indulge in Latin-inspired dishes such as the crab linguine with charred habanero and manchego arepas with fancy Hank’s Hot Sauce (a must-order) and punchy cocktails like the Fuma with Alipus San Andres Mezcal, lime, vanilla honey and passionfruit.

Does Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour have access for guests with disabilities?

There is wheelchair accessibility throughout the main areas of the hotel, and the one-bedroom Garden View suites are accessible. Contact the hotel for more details when booking.

Is Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour family-friendly?

A suite at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — The fully equipped kitchens are perfect for preparing family meals.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour welcomes families with its Family Fun Package , which includes daily breakfast, parking, and a Busy Nippers Kids Pack. The spacious rooms and prime location make this accommodation a smart choice for families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, long stays, and couples

Address: 61 Macquarie St, Sydney

Cost: From $489 per night

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

This Sydney hotel offers unforgettable views and home-like comforts